Nokian Tyres concern occupies a leading position in the niche of high-tech studded and friction tires. Among them there are premium segment models and quite budget winter tires with the best price/quality ratio in their class.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta: innovations for maximum safety
The Finnish brand with an 80-year history and impeccable reputation has long become a legend in the automotive world. The latest generation of this line is studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV. Having won a record 28 out of 31 victories in independent tests last year, the flagship models of the Hakkapeliitta family top the rating of premium tires.
Unprecedented safety of these tires on ice and snow is achieved due to the unique qualities of the rubber compound based on natural rubber and silica with the addition of rapeseed oil. The unique Nokian Eco Stud 8 studding concept provides maximum grip on icy and snowy roads. Thanks to this concept, developers managed to increase the number of studs by 50% compared to predecessors and at the same time reduce the tire's impact on the road surface. As a result, the noise level when driving on dry asphalt is reduced to a minimum.
The SUV tire in its niche has no competitors also in terms of sidewall resistance to impacts and cuts. This is the merit of the revolutionary Nokian Aramid Sidewall technology, which has no analogues in the industry. The rubber compound of the sidewalls has exceptional wear resistance and protection against punctures and contains aramid fiber. Aramid is used in the aviation and military-industrial industries. Aramid fiber strengthens the rubber compound of the sidewalls, makes it more rigid, which increases the sidewall's resistance to external influences, as well as to the pressure of the wheel rim flange.
Among non-studded tires, the undisputed leaders are Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV. Last season they were recognized as the best in 26 independent tests by authoritative automotive magazines. The foundation of safety of these models is the innovative rubber compound formula with Nokian Cryo Crystal technology. Microparticles, shaped like crystals, like built-in studs, "bite" into the ice- or snow-covered road surface, providing reliable grip. As the tire wears, these microparticles do not "wear out", which allows the tires to "hold" the road perfectly even with a minimum residual tread depth (4 mm). Patented pump sipes in the shoulder zone of the tread easily cope with slush. Quickly pumping out the water film from the tire's contact patch with the road, they guarantee stable and reliable grip during thaws. The tread of the SUV tire is reinforced with jagged protrusions between the blocks. This solution significantly increases the grip resource on ice and snow, especially during acceleration and braking.
This season, Ukrainian drivers have also gained access to another new product, Nokian WR D4. This is the world's first passenger car tire with wet grip indicators of class A (according to the European tire classification). The Nokian Twin Trac Silica rubber compound based on natural rubber and rapeseed oil ensures high safety of this tire in difficult weather conditions, increases its wear resistance and resistance to temperature changes. Thanks to the special Nokian Block Optimized Siping technology, the debutante demonstrates high steering precision on winter roads. In recent tests by the magazine "Autocenter" (No. 35-36, 28.09.2015) among 9 models of friction tires, Nokian WR D4 showed the best results and became the winner of the test.
The high safety of the proven tandem of studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV both in snow and slush is achieved due to the fact that the tread rubber compound flexibly adapts to weather changes. The effective interaction of the "Bear Claw" technology and anchor studs optimizes grip during braking and acceleration, and also increases the tire's wear resistance. The tread design of the SUV model is optimized taking into account the dimensions of SUVs and operation in extreme conditions. The zigzag shoulder zones of the tread effortlessly cut even a very thick layer of slush between the tire and the road surface, guaranteeing balanced grip and precise handling in difficult weather conditions.
Nokian Nordman: best traditions of Finnish tires
Since its appearance on the market, the budget Nokian Nordman RS has received the most positive reviews from drivers. The tire demonstrates excellent grip properties during braking and acceleration. And the original wedge-shaped siping increases stability when driving.
This winter, Ukrainian motorists will also be able to appreciate a new model for SUVs. The tenacious and reliable Nokian Nordman RS2 SUV significantly expands maneuvering capabilities in difficult winter conditions. Pump sipes improve grip on the road. Brake boosters in the tread blocks increase braking grip efficiency, especially on snow. This model has a double textile cord, which is typical for SUV tires.
Thanks to such a wide selection, any driver can choose the optimal option for their car, taking into account the specifics of planned operation, personal preferences and capabilities. At the same time, the key characteristic of the Nokian winter line is the high safety of these tires in any weather.
You will find more detailed information about Nokian tires on the website: www.nokiantyres.ua
